Is the METV a better option for staying long-term in Thailand without being denied entry?

Question

Hi, me and my wife have been staying 180 days a year in Thailand the last 4 years. We are only working the rest of the year in our Homeland. Every time, arriving with 60 day Visa, doing the 30 day extension, fly to different neighbour countries, and repeat until we fly home. My wife was not stopped by immigration when we arrived from Vietnam this week, but I was held back 2-3 hours before they let me in. We don't stay longer than 180 days a year, as we're not allowed by our government if we are to keep certain rights.
Will it help arriving with METV ?
The IMG officer told me to stay in my Homeland for 300 days before coming back.... No red stamp. An O or OA seems like overkill for a 6 month stay?

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user and their wife, who have been staying in Thailand for 180 days annually through a combination of a 60-day visa and extensions, are facing increased scrutiny at immigration. They are considering a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) vs. other visa options like Non-O or OA visas. Comments suggest that while METV may reduce risks associated with repeated border runs, the OA visa offers more stability and less hassle for longer stays. The user plans to eventually apply for an OA visa after some financial qualifications are met.

Tod ********* · Answer

they are just blowing smoke up your backside trying to scare you with the 'stay out of thailand xxx days before coming back" much like the equally b/s statement "we put a note in the system", or "you can't get a 30 day extension".

I don't know that a 6 month METV would help you ENTERING the country when you come from your country Look at the requirements to get a 6 month METV from the thai consulate in your country.

The O-A visa is definitely the way to go if you can qualify for it and get one. That visa will not cause you any grief when you stamp in.

The thing IS a Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa and a 6 month METV <-multi-entry tourist visa cost exactly the same amount and you will get FAR more benefit out of the O-A visa than you would out of the 6 month METV.

Bobby ******** · Answer

An OA is technically not a "retirement visa", it's a "long stay visa", so six months out of twelve is long stay. You don't need border bounces or visa runs. Just a one off 90 day report and correctly filed TM30. Yes you need insurance, but you can use your home country insurance when you apply in your home country. If you plan your second year of six months to begin just before the visa expires, you will get a second year stamped in.

Ellie ******* · Answer

If you are eligible for non-O, why not? some people keep extension from Non-O or O-A (before that insurance started matter though) to stay 3-6 months stay per year. Much less trouble than tourist visas.

Robert ******* · Answer

METV would be a better choice than hopping to neighbor countries and buy new visa to come back into Thailand.

There is no rule of maximum 180 days of stay in Thailand, as you mention it is your home country who has rules how long your are allowed to be abroad.

The comment about 300 days is totally a number out of the blue, ignore that please.

James ******** · Answer

METV is a better visa choice for you. To do as you are now doing is with risk of denied entry.

Is the METV a better option for staying long-term in Thailand without being denied entry?

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